Politics of the United States

Lore & Background

The federal government is divided into three branches as per the U.S. Constitution. The executive branch is headed by the president, who is elected indirectly through the Electoral College. Legislative power is vested in the two chambers of Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch, composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, interprets the Constitution and federal laws. The federal entity created by the Constitution is the dominant feature of the American governmental system, with citizens also subject to state and local governments. Each of the 50 states has its own constitution modeled on the federal one, with an executive branch led by a popularly elected governor, a legislative body (bicameral except in Nebraska), and a judicial branch. At the local level, governments exist in counties, municipalities, townships, school districts, and special districts. American politics has been dominated since the Civil War by the Democratic and Republican parties, though other parties have fielded candidates. The Democratic Party generally supports left-leaning policies, while the Republican Party supports right-leaning ones. Neither party has a formal central organization controlling membership or policy, leading to internal factions. Nearly all public officials are elected from single-member districts by winning a plurality of votes. Suffrage is nearly universal for citizens aged 18 and older, except for registered felons in some states. The separation of powers, a powerful upper legislative house, and a broad Supreme Court distinguish the U.S. system from many other developed nations.

Reader's Guide

The politics of the United States are significant as a model of a constitutional federal republic with a separation of powers. The system's two-party dominance, driven by the plurality-based first-past-the-post voting system, shapes national and state-level governance. State governments have inherent powers to legislate on subjects not granted to the federal government, and local governments—including counties, municipalities, townships, school districts, and special districts—directly serve public needs. The Electoral College method for electing the president and the wide scope of power held by the Senate and Supreme Court distinguish the U.S. from many other developed countries. The Progressive Era reforms of initiatives, referendums, and recall elections exist at state and local levels but not federally. The system's structure influences political behavior, including strategic voting and internal factionalism within the major parties.

Did You Know?

• The president is elected indirectly by the people through the Electoral College, not by direct popular vote.
• Almost all public officials in America are elected from single-member districts and win by a plurality of votes cast.
• Except for Nebraska, all states have a bicameral legislature.
• Local elections are typically nonpartisan, with activists suspending party affiliations when campaigning.